Feliz Cumpleaños Robinson Canó

He’s not a huge star like Celia, but since the New York Yankees are one series away from the World Series I found it appropriate to give the Yankee fans a good luck charm. Below I wrote a quick history on the second baseman. Good luck Yankees and Happy Birthday Robinson.

Robinson José Canó Mercedes, who was named after Jackie Robinson, was born on October 22, 1982, in San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic. He spent seventh, eighth and ninth grades in the Newark school system, attending Barringer High for one year until his family moved back to the Dominican Republic. He graduated from San Pedro Apostol High School in San Pedro de Macoris and played baseball for his home team Estrellas Orientales in the Winter League.

Canó was signed by the Yankees in 2001 as a free agent and began playing in their minor leagues. He was one of five prospects offered to the Texas Rangers to complete the Yankees’ acquisition of Alex Rodriguez in 2004 but the Rangers selected Joaquín Árias instead. You have to wonder if the Rangers are kicking themselves in the… Well you know where.

Here is a quick run down of his achievements:

2002 – South Atlantic League All-Star SS
2004 – NY Yankees Minor League Player of the Year
2005 – MLB All-Rookie All-Star
2005 – This Year in Baseball Awards: Rookie of the Year
2006 – Selected to the 2006 American League All Star team
April 2010 – American League Player of the Month
2010 – American League All-Star, Starting Second Basemen

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